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As he neared Damascus on his
journey, suddenly a light from
heaven flashed around him.
He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him,
“Saul, Saul why do you
persecute me?” Acts 9:3-4 (NIV)
Saul was on his way to Damascus. His mission was to round
up those who belonged to The Way, the sect of Christians, and carry them back to
Jerusalem. They would be his prisoners.
Something happened that changed his life forever. He met
the LORD. God asked him a very pertinent question, “Why are you persecuting
me?” Jesus identifies himself. Paul is told to go into Damascus, and he will be
told what to do.
The LORD
instructed Saul in a one-on-one conversation. Those traveling with Saul did not
see anything. How often do we hear a message from God that no one else hears?
God watched as Saul wreaked havoc among those who
belonged to The Way, those who believed in Christ. God knew all the evil and
nastiness in Saul’s heart. Yet, God chose to forgive Saul and direct him to
work for Him.
For God to know Saul’s attributes, He had to watch as
Saul went through his murderous ways. He saw Saul, forgave him, and used him
for His glory.
As God sees us go through our lives, He takes note of our
attributes and our weaknesses. Personally, I know He has taught me so much
about myself. I now understand why I react the way I do when I have issues with
my computer. It is due to my frustration. I know God can take care of that
shortcoming if I allow Him to.
Yes, thankfully God sees our hearts and knows what is really going on inside of us, and He loves and forgives us for our shortcomings...and He teaches us how to overcome those things that cause us sorrow or anger or frustration. I am so thankful for His loving kindness and compassion and continued forgiveness every day.
ReplyDeletePam: Thank you for your warm and insightful thoughts. It is warming up here in Indiana. I spent a couple of hours on our front porch yesterday afternoon. It's enclosed and it is nice when the sun shines through the windows. Peace and blessings to you and yours.
DeleteLately I think of this meeeting of how Paul was transformed and turned around completely from this encounter with the LORD. It gives me hope when praying for those who do not yet know Him. And I remember His lovingkindness and loving us while we are yet still sinners. Blessings and Peace to you and yours. ♡
ReplyDeleteShayndel: We all need to remember what the LORD did for Paul. Especially when we reach out to those who do not know Him yet. Please pray for me. I have been diagnosed with breast cancer. It's a small spot. I will have a lumpectomy after Easter. Peace and blessings to you and yours.
DeleteAmen. Yes, and I will be praying, believing for your complete healing and Resurrection , LIFE, in Jesus mighty Name to every cell in your body. An honor to pray for you in this time of Resurrection and Passover, Deliverance from all sickness.Blessings and Peace to you and yours.Love, Shayndel
ReplyDeleteShayndel: Thank you.
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